Increase In Mass Research Articles

Granule efficiency evaluation process using two-way CFD-DEM coupling analysis

Amino acid granulation using a fluidized bed is an important process that can improve the fluidity of powders and provide better process control. In this study, a granulation process evaluation procedure using numerical analysis is presented. Before analyzing the flow and particle behavior during the process, experiments and analyses such as pour angle of repose, drained angle of repose, and static angle of repose were performed to measure material properties and ensure the reliability of the numerical model. Material properties determined through experiments and numerical analyses were applied to an evaluation model of the granulation process. The granulation process is characterized by the interdependent behavior of a strong flow and large amounts of powder inside the equipment. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-Discrete Element Model (DEM) coupled numerical model was presented for simulating particle and multiphase flow phenomena. Additionally, because there is a strong correlation between particle behavior and flow, a two-way coupling model was applied.The particle behavior characteristics are directly related to the granulation efficiency. Particle behavior was analyzed by setting four process conditions depending on the flow intensity. In this study, the concept of a dead zone was introduced to evaluate the kinetic performance of the particles under different process conditions. A dead zone is an area where the particles do not move actively and are unable to mix. The creation and size of the dead zone were compared based on the process conditions. Additionally, this study presents a procedure to evaluate the mass, volume, and size increase due to the granulation process based on the time spent in the granulation region. The granulation region is defined as the area in which the granulation of the particles is expected to proceed using the material sprayed from the nozzle. The granule quantity and uniformity were evaluated according to the process conditions. The granule amount refers to the mass and volume of individual particles that increase during the granulation process, and uniformity refers to the variation in granule amount between particles. The process efficiency can be evaluated as good when the granule amount of the work particles reaches the target value and is evenly distributed. Although the behavioral characteristics of the analyzed process did not represent all similar processes, it was confirmed that separate process conditions should be set according to the initial size distribution of the particles, target granule amount, and uniformity. Consequently, a series of processes was organized to obtain the properties of the target particles, effectively simulate the behavior inside the equipment, and reasonably determine the granulation region. Additionally, it presents a method to evaluate the amount and uniformity of granules rather than simply evaluating the time spent in the granulation region.

Mourre theory and spectral analysis of energy-momentum operators in relativistic quantum field theory

A central task of theoretical physics is to analyse spectral properties of quantum mechanical observables. In this endeavour, Mourre’s conjugate operator method emerged as an effective tool in the spectral theory of Schrödinger operators. This paper introduces a novel class of examples from relativistic quantum field theory that are amenable to Mourre’s method. By assuming Lorentz covariance and the spectrum condition, we derive a limiting absorption principle for the energy-momentum operators and provide new proofs of the absolute continuity of the energy-momentum spectra. Moreover, under the assumption of dilation covariance, we show that the spectrum of the relativistic mass operator is purely absolutely continuous in (0,∞)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(0,\\infty )$$\\end{document}.

Revisiting Relativistic Electrically Charged Polytropic Spheres

AbstractThe problem of the structure and physical properties of electrically charged static spherically symmetric solutions of the Einstein‐Maxwell system of equations is revisited, where the matter model is a polytropic gas. A relativistic polytrope equation of state (EOS) is considered and the electric charge density is assumed to be proportional to the rest mass density. Families of solutions corresponding to various sets of parameters are constructed and analyzed their stability and compliance with the causality requirement, emphasizing the possibility of obtaining black hole mimickers. Concretely, this study wants to test how much electric charge a given object can hold and how compact it can be. It is concluded that there is a microscopic bound on the charge density to rest mass density ratio coincident with the macroscopic bound regarding the extremal Reissner‐Nordström (ERN) black hole. The macroscopic charge to mass ratio for the object can exceed the corresponding microscopic ratio if the object is non‐extremal. Crucially, the only way to construct a black hole mimicker is by taking a subtle limit in which an electrically counterpoised dust (ECD) solution is attained.

Reference growth curves of anthropometric markers in Brazilian children and adolescents aged 7-14 years from southern Brazil.

Reference growth curves are viable tools for monitoring somatic growth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop reference growth curves for body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in Brazilian children and adolescents aged 7-14 years. The reference growth curves were constructed from a cross-sectional panel study using data from four surveys conducted in 2002, 2007, 2012/2013 and 2018/2019, with 9675 children and adolescents aged 7-14 years, of both sexes from Florianopolis, Southern Brazil. Growth curves were constructed using the LMS method, based on anthropometric indicators and indices (body mass, height, BMI, WC and WHtR), measured according to standardised norms. There was an increase in body mass, height, BMI and WC values with increasing age in both sexes and percentiles (P5, P10, P25, P50, P75, P85 and P95). The girls presented higher values of body mass, BMI and WC in the analysed percentiles, compared to the boys. Regarding height, there was a higher value from 10 to 11 years old in girls and from 12 to 14 years old in boys. WHtR decreased with increasing age in both sexes and analysed percentiles. Region-specific reference growth curves can enable the monitoring of somatic growth of particular paediatric populations, expanding discussions in different regions of the world.

Cervical fibroid: A diagnostic dilemma and operative challenge – one year study

: Cervical fibroids are very rare, with varying clinical presentations, and account for only 1–2% of cases. Cervical fibroids are enigmatic as they present with varying symptoms and simulate several clinical entities, for instance, a large cervical polyp, incarcerated procidentia, chronic uterine inversion, and the Ca cervix. : A two-year retrospective analysis of women diagnosed with cervical leiomyoma was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, PGIMS Rohtak (a tertiary care institute in Northern India). A total of 24 cases diagnosed with cervical fibroid (CF) were studied. 75% of the females had vaginal bleeding, 44.6% had heavy menstrual bleeding, 33.3% had irregular bleeding, and one had postmenopausal bleeding. 41.6% had urinary symptoms; 1.5% complained of vaginal discharge; difficulty in stools (16.6%); and leiomyosarcoma (8.3%). We cannot find a clear demarcation of presenting symptoms between anterior and posterior fibroid. It was discovered that the development of malignancy and bladder and intestinal problems was linked to an increase in CF mass, while severe anaemia and vaginal bleeding were not. A cervical fibroid is mostly benign, can be present at extremes of age, and its atypical presenting symptoms pose difficulty in diagnosis. Vaginal bleeding and retention of urine are the most common symptoms. Central and supravaginal fibroids are difficult to operate. Proper pre-operative delineation of altered anatomical structure are essential for choosing the correct modality of treatment. In large cervical fibroids, suspected malignancy before surgery and hidden cervical malignancy can coexist.

Superiority of High-Load vs. Low-Load Resistance Training in Military Cadets.

Øfsteng, SF, Hammarström, D, Knox, S, Jøsok, Ø, Helkala, K, Koll, L, Hanestadhaugen, M, Raastad, T, Rønnestad, BR, and Ellefsen, S. Superiority of high-load vs. low-load resistance training in military cadets. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1584-1595, 2024-Muscle strength and power are important determinants of soldiers' performance in modern warfare. Here, we compare the efficacy of 22 weeks of whole-body resistance training with high load (HL, 10 repetitions maximum/RM) and low load (LL, 30RM) for developing maximal muscle strength and power, performance, and muscle mass in moderately trained cadets (20 ± 1 year, f; n = 5, m; n = 22). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at week 22, in addition to a mid-intervention assessment at week 10. Twenty-two weeks of HL led to greater increases in muscle strength (upper limb, Δ 10%, 95% CI [2.8, 17.1], p = 0.01; lower limb, Δ 9.9%, CI [1.1, 18.6], p = 0.029), jump height (Δ 5.5%, CI [1.4, 9.6], p = 0.011), and upper limb lean mass (Δ 5.2%, CI [1, 9.4], p = 0.018) compared with LL. HL and LL led to similar changes in agility, muscle endurance performance, lower limb muscle mass, and cross-sectional area in m. vastus lateralis. For all variables, training-associated changes occurred primarily during the initial 10 weeks of the intervention, including the differential responses to HL and LL. In conclusion, although 22 weeks of HL led to greater increases in lower and upper limb muscle strength, power, and upper limb lean mass than LL, the 2 load conditions led to similar improvements in agility performance and lower limb muscle mass. Our results thus indicate that both loading regimes elicit multifaceted physiological improvements important for military readiness.

Influence of short-time resistance training on appetite and energy intake in young women with and without obesity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6-weeks resistance training (RT) on appetite, energy intake and body composition in young women with and without obesity, and to examine the relationship between these variables. Thirty-five young women were divided according to the amount of body fat [with obesity (n = 16) and without obesity (n = 19)]. Appetite was assessed through self-reported hunger, fullness, desire to eat, satiety quotient, food frequency diary and motivations to eat palatable food (power of food scale) in both fasted and fed states (after a standardized breakfast). Energy intake and body composition were evaluated at pre- and post-6 weeks of RT. Results showed that self-reported hunger increased significantly in both fasted and fed states (p = 0.007 and p = 0.029, respectively), while self-reported fullness decreased at the fasted state (p = 0.030) in both groups. There were no significant effects for desire to eat fatty, sweet, savory and salty foods, motivation to eat palatable foods, or for total energy intake. Food frequency analysis indicated a decrease in consumption of soup and past (p = 0.045), vegetables and eggs (p = 0.034), and leafy vegetables (p = 0.022) in both groups. Fat-free mass increased significantly in both groups (p = 0.011 and p = 0.003), while fat mass did not show significant changes. There were no correlations between changes in appetite/energy intake and changes in body composition. In conclusion, following the 6-week RT program, both women with and without obesity exhibited increased self-reported hunger alongside decreased fullness, suggesting an increase in orexigenic drive. However, neither group showed an increase in energy intake and fat mass, while both groups experienced an increase in fat-free mass.Registered under Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials n°. RBR-1024f4qs.

Mass insulation enhancement of cork stoppers through heat treatment: experimental measurements, modeling, and optimization

Natural cork stoppers, used as bottle sealers for high-end products such as ingredients and flavorings, belong to the highest class in terms of cork quality. Various studies have been carried out to examine the solute diffusion in cork using conventional methods. However, the investigations were limited to natural cork stoppers that had been boiled and cut in a single direction. In this study, the anisotropic cylindrical shape of cork samples was modeled, considering various cutting directions. Additionally, we subjected the stoppers to boiling then to an optimal THT cycle to improve the cork's mechanical qualities. The optimal thermal cycle is determined using TGA analysis. IR and SEM tests are employed to verify the enhancements in the cork. The apparent mass diffusion coefficient (Dapp) is determined by the calibration of the model with the experimental data acquired via the conductometric method. The coefficient values are optimized using the Bat algorithm with a relative error of 10–5. The Dapp was found to be better for the treated cork grown in the Jijel region than for the cork Medea, which is better than of Skikda cork. Regarding the impact of the cutting direction on the Jijel's cork, the results indicate that the mass insulation is higher when the treated stoppers are cut in the tangential-longitudinal direction (DJTLt=4,12.10-13m2s-1) compared to the tangential-radial direction (DJTRt=7,75.10-13m2s-1) and the longitudinal-radial direction (DJLRt=8,53.10-13m2s-1). The treatment, which serves as a solution for the cork industry, showed an improvement in mass insulation 13-fold greater than the natural cork.

A systematic review of physical activity and nutritional interventions for the management of normal weight and overweight obesity

AimsNormal Weight Obesity (NWO) and Overweight Obesity (OWO) are prevalent conditions, yet knowledge of management is limited. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of physical activity and nutritional interventions in the management of NWO and OWO (together defined as BMI <30 kg/m2 with raised body fat). Data synthesisClinical trials including any physical activity or nutritional interventions, published between 2012 and 2022, evaluating body fat change were selected. Seven trials met inclusion criteria, including one single arm intervention, and six RCTs. A high intensity interval training intervention (high risk of bias) had the largest effect on reducing percentage body fat (MD: −6.8%, SE: 0.06). High protein intake interventions were also found to be effective (MD: −2.8%, SE: 0.27, MD: −2.0%, SE: 0.05). These three interventions led to greater increases in fat free mass. Two energy restricted interventions resulted in the highest mean weight loss (MD: −3.10 kg, SD: 0.87 (intervention only), MD: −2.90 kg, SE: 0.06), but also loss of fat free mass, resulting in low reductions in percentage body fat (MD: −1.10%, SD: 0.57 (intervention only), MD: −0.8%, SE 0.30). There was considerable heterogeneity between studies. ConclusionsThere are physical activity and nutritional interventions that could be efficacious for the management of NWO and OWO. However, there was considerable heterogeneity between studies. The most promising nutritional intervention is high protein intake and the least is energy restriction (without increased protein intake). More high-quality trials are needed to evaluate interventions, and to determine the best tools to measure adiposity.

Cyclic Electrogravimetry Reveals Details of Copper Electrodeposition in the Presence of Additives

Copper electroplating was studied based on cyclic voltammetry combined with a new type of acoustic microgravimetry. The instrument operates similarly to a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM-D), meaning that it reports shifts in resonance frequency, Δf, and half bandwidth, ΔΓ, on several overtones. Compared to the existing instruments, the time resolution was improved by a factor of 10 down to 10 ms using multifrequency lockin amplification. The frequency noise after accumulation was reduced below 10 mHz ≙ 0.12 ng/cm2 ≙ 0.14 pm (assuming ρ = 8.96 g/cm3) by modulating the electrode potential and averaging of Δf and ΔΓ. Mostly, Δf and ΔΓ are in line with the Sauerbrey prediction (Δf/n ≈const. and ΔΓ/n < -Δf/nwith n the overtone order). Small unsystematic deviations between overtones due to compressional wave effects are seen but no evidence for strong roughness or viscoelasticity. Further, the Faraday efficiency is almost unity, meaning that Δf is close to the expectations derived from the electrical current. The improved sensitivity enables to determine the time derivative of the frequency shift, which is equal to an apparent mass transfer rate that can be compared to the current directly. Again, small deviations are seen for bulk deposition and stripping. These go back to weak roughness effects most pronounced in the initial phase of bulk deposition and, also, to the presence of a Cu(I) intermediate during dissolution. When adding benzotriazole (BTA) or thiourea (TU) as plating additives, the gravimetric and the voltammetric response changes. For BTA, the deviations between mass transfer rate and current vanish indicative of decreased roughness. For TU additional features appear, related to a potential-dependent adsorption of TU and to increased underpotential deposition (UPD). In the presence of TU, the electrode-electrolyte interface displays viscoelasticity, evident by the bandwidth increases during deposition.[1] Caption: Currents, time derivatives of the frequency shift, and bandwidth shift obtained during copper electrodeposition without additives (A), in the presence of 10 µM benzotriazole (B), and in the presence of 10 µM thiourea (C). Reprinted with permission from Reference [1].

Square Wave Electrogravimetry Monitors Transient Submonolayer Adsorption of Redox-Active Molecules with a Precision of Less Than 1% of a Monolayer

Square wave voltammetry on electrolytes containing the reversible redox pairs flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and methyl viologen (MV) was complemented by a new form of acoustic microgravimetry. The analytes FAD and MV have promising applications in bacterial fuel cells and redox flow batteries. The instrument operates similarly to a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM-D). It reports shifts in resonance frequency and half bandwidth on several overtones. Compared to the existing instruments, the time resolution was improved by a factor of 40 down to 2.5 ms by multifrequency lockin amplification, which is important for the analysis of the transients in electrochemistry. The frequency noise after accumulation was reduced below 10 mHz ≙ 0.12 ng/cm2 ≙ 1.2 pm (assuming ρ = 1 g/cm3) by employing modulation and averaging. Square wave modulation of the electrode potential is superior to linear ramps (cyclic voltammetry) because it reduces the contribution of non-Faraday currents and, also, improves sensitivity. The shifts of frequency,Δf, and half bandwidth, ΔΓ, are in line with the Sauerbrey prediction (Δf/n ≈const. and ΔΓ/n < -Δf/nwith n the overtone order). Small deviations (Figure B and D) presumably are caused by the layer’s softness. The apparent shear modulus, G app, of this layer is in the GPa range. The frequency difference, Δf/n|CT (Figure E), amounts to an apparent mass transfer rate. Plots of Δf/n|CT versus potential sometimes show curves similar to the electric current as observed for e. g. MV. For FAD, the results obtained depended on pH and the apparent mass transfer rates are much different from the current (Figure C and E). This difference is most likely caused by adsorbed molecules that are intermediates of the underlying two-electron process. The explanation is further corroborated by the response time of the QCM signals being much larger than the RC time of double layer recharging as determined with EIS. An interpretation in terms of adsorption/desorption is more plausible than an interpretation in terms of changed viscosity in the diffuse double layer.[1] Caption: Currents and frequency shifts obtained on a solution containing FAD. Df/n|av evidences the preferred adsorption of the intermediate state (FADH).

Effect of Mechanical Pressure on Rate Capability, Lifetime, and Expansion of Multilayer Pouch Cells with Silicon-Dominant Anodes

Silicon-dominant (Si) anodes with microscale silicon particles meet the requirements of high energy density and low costs due to its ten times higher theoretical electrochemical capacity of 3579 mAh/gSi (Li15Si4) compared to graphite,1 lifetime extension due to partial lithiation,1-2 and high abundance and economic availability due to existing industrial infrastructure.1-2 The major drawback of silicon is the large volume expansion of nearly 300% upon full lithiation. This hinders the broad application of silicon as an active anode material due to continuous SEI (re-) formation and electrochemical milling of particles. Additionally, the volume expansion impacts the overall electrode stability, leading to thickness changes, the disruption of the electronic pathways, and the decoupling of particles. Although the approach of partial lithiation of microscale1 Si eases these effects by lowering the overall volume expansion, these problems still exist.2,3 In this work, the effect of different mechanical cell pressures on lithium-ion batteries with partially lithiated silicon-dominant anodes is investigated with 5.4 Ah multilayer pouch cells as a follow-up study of our previous work with laboratory T-Cells.3 Methodologically, a novel cell holder and pressure device were developed and validated to apply different mechanical cell pressures. Our investigation covers a pressure range from uncompressed as zero (ZP, 0.00 MPa) to high (HP, 0.50 MPa) external cell pressure to determine the optimal pressure for high rate capacity, cyclic lifetime, energy density, and low thickness gain. The cells were tested by checkup cycles at C/10, rate tests up to 3C, and cycled at C/2 until 70% state of health (SoH). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was conducted at different SoHs to quantify the effect of mechanical pressures on the impedance response.4 The post-mortem analysis after reaching 70% SoH and operando thickness measurements in a compression test5 bench give insights into the electrode and cell thickness gain.In the electrochemical results, the discharge capacity Q DCH was immediately reduced by decreasing the mechanical pressure from 0.20 MPa to 0.00 MPa or 0.05 MPa, both for the cells in the cell holder (see inset in Figure 1a) and the compression test bench (not shown). This pressure change was also quantified by an increased charge-averaged full cell potential during charging and a decreased charge-averaged full cell potential during discharging. The impedance was reduced for higher mechanical pressure, especially the cathode contact resistance initially and over aging, resulting in lower temperature increases during the rate tests. The capacity retention Q DCH and the total charge throughput were increased to 360 cycles until 70% SoH for higher mechanical pressures at NP (normal pressure, 0.20 MPa) and HP (see Figure 1) compared to 181 cycles for ZP. Overall, applying higher mechanical pressures reduced the thickness increase, as shown by operando thickness measurements and the post-mortem analysis. A dependency of the reversible thickness on the charged capacity was found. Moreover, the porosity decreased with increasing pressure, which was measured with mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and pycnometry. The anode mass increase correlates to the total charge throughput, which is pressure-dependent and the highest for NP.Our findings demonstrate that applying the optimal mechanical cell pressure is significant when using microscale silicon-dominant anodes. We recommend a mechanical pressure of 0.50 MPa for increased rate capacity, minimizing impedance, heat evolution, and thickness gain, and 0.20 MPa for increased energy density. Acknowledgments: S.F. gratefully acknowledges the financial support from the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany) under the auspices of the ExZellTUM III project (grant number 03XP0255). The authors want to thank the research battery production team of iwb at TUM for the multi-layer pouch cell production. We also thank Wacker Chemie for kindly providing the microscale silicon material.

Investigation of Delamination Characteristics in 3D-Printed Hybrid Curved Composite Beams.

This study focuses on understanding the impact of different material compositions and printing parameters on the structural integrity of hybrid curved composite beams. Using the continuous filament fabrication technique, which is an advanced fused deposition modelling process, composite curved beams made of short carbon and various continuous fibre-reinforced nylon laminae were fabricated and subjected to four-point bending tests to assess their delamination characteristics. The results show that the presence of five flat zones in the curved region of a curved beam achieves 10% and 6% increases in maximum load and delamination strength, respectively, against a smooth curved region. The delamination response of a curved composite beam design consisting of unidirectional carbon/nylon laminae is superior to that of a curved beam made of glass fibre/nylon laminae, while the existence of highly strengthened glass fibre bundles is alternatively quite competitive. Doubling the number of continuous fibre-reinforced laminae results in an increase of up to 36% in strength by achieving a total increase in the beam thickness of 50%, although increases in mass and material cost are serious concerns. The hybrid curved beam design has a decrease in the maximum load and the strength by 11% and 13%, respectively, when compared with a non-hybrid design, which consists of some type of stronger and stiffer nylon laminae instead of short carbon fibre-reinforced conventional nylon laminae. Two-dimensional surface-based cohesive finite element models, which have a good agreement with experimental results, were also established for searching for the availability of useful virtual testing. The results from this study will greatly contribute to the design and numerical modelling of additively manufactured hybrid composite curved beams, brackets, and fittings.

Pauli-type coupling of spinors and curved spacetime

Abstract In this study we prove that the Pauli interaction---which is associated with a length parameter---emerges when the minimal coupling recipe is applied to the non-degenerate Dirac Lagrangian.&amp;#xD;The conventional Dirac Lagrangian is rendered non-degenerate if supplemented by a particular term quadratic in the derivatives of the spinors.&amp;#xD;For dimensional reasons, this non-degenerate Dirac Lagrangian is associated with a length parameter $\ell$.&amp;#xD;It yields---just as the conventional degenerate Dirac Lagrangian---the standard free Dirac equation in Minkowski space as the $\ell$ terms cancel when setting up the Euler-Lagrange equations.&amp;#xD;However, if the Dirac spinor is minimally coupled to gauge fields, then the length parameter~$\ell$ becomes a physical coupling constant yielding novel interactions.&amp;#xD;For the U($1$) symmetry the Pauli coupling of fermions to electromagnetic fields arises, modifying the fermion's magnetic moment.&amp;#xD;We discuss the impact of these findings on electrodynamics, and estimate the upper bound of the length parameter~$\ell$ from the yet existing discrepancy between the (SM) theory and measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of light leptons.&amp;#xD;This, and also recent studies of the renormalization theory, suggest that the Pauli coupling of leptons to the electromagnetic field is a necessary ingredient in QED, supporting the notion of a fundamental nature of the non-degenerate Dirac Lagrangian.&amp;#xD;&amp;#xD;In a second step we then investigate how analogous ``Pauli-type'' couplings of gravity and matter arise if fermions are embedded in curved spacetime.&amp;#xD;The diffeomorphism and Lorentz invariance of that system leads to an anomalous spin-torsion interaction and a curvature-dependent mass correction.&amp;#xD;We calculate the mass correction in the De~Sitter geometry of vacuum with the cosmological constant $\Lambda$.&amp;#xD;Possible implications for the existence of effective non-zero rest masses of neutrinos are addressed.&amp;#xD;Finally, an outlook on the impact of mass correction on the physics of ``Big Bang'' cosmology, black holes, and of neutron stars is provided.

Interruption of glucagon signaling augments islet non-alpha cell proliferation in SLC7A2- and mTOR-dependent manners.

Dysregulated glucagon secretion and inadequate functional beta cell mass are hallmark features of diabetes. While glucagon receptor (GCGR) antagonism ameliorates hyperglycemia and elicits beta cell regeneration in pre-clinical models of diabetes, it also promotes alpha and delta cell hyperplasia. We sought to investigate the mechanism by which loss of glucagon action impacts pancreatic islet non-alpha cells, and the relevance of these observations in a human islet context. We used zebrafish, rodents, and transplanted human islets comprising six different models of interrupted glucagon signaling to examine their impact on delta and beta cell proliferation and mass. We also used models with global deficiency of the cationic amino acid transporter, SLC7A2, and mTORC1 inhibition via rapamycin, to determine whether amino acid-dependent nutrient sensing was required for islet non-alpha cell growth. Inhibition of glucagon signaling stimulated delta cell proliferation in mouse and transplanted human islets, and in mouse islets. This was rapamycin-sensitive and required SLC7A2. Likewise, gcgr deficiency augmented beta cell proliferation via SLC7A2- and mTORC1-dependent mechanisms in zebrafish and promoted cell cycle engagement in rodent beta cells but was insufficient to drive a significant increase in beta cell mass in mice. Our findings demonstrate that interruption of glucagon signaling augments islet non-alpha cell proliferation in zebrafish, rodents, and transplanted human islets in a manner requiring SLC7A2 and mTORC1 activation. An increase in delta cell mass may be leveraged for future beta cell regeneration therapies relying upon delta cell reprogramming.

Nutritional status in the era of highly effective CFTR modulators.

Advances in cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnostics and therapeutics have led to improved health and longevity, including increased body weight and decreased malnutrition in people with CF. Highly effective CFTR modulator therapies (HEMT) are associated with increased weight through a variety of mechanisms, accelerating trends of overweight and obesity in the CF population. Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with improved pulmonary function in CF, yet the incremental improvement at overweight and obese BMIs is not clear. Improvements in pulmonary health with increasing BMI are largely driven by increases in fat-free mass (FFM), and impact of HEMT on FFM is uncertain. While trends toward higher weight and BMI are generally seen as favorable in CF, the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity has raised concern for potential risk of traditional age- and obesity-related comorbidities. Such comorbidities, including impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, cardiac disease, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, colon cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea, may occur on top of pre-existing CF-related comorbidities. CF nutrition recommendations are evolving in the post-modulator era to more individualized approaches, in contrast to prior blanket high-fat, high-calorie prescriptions for all. Ultimately, it will be essential to redefine goals for optimal weight and nutritional status to allow for holistic health and aging in people with CF.

Prevalence and Predictors of Normal-Weight Obesity among Women.

The present study aimed to (a) assess normal-weight obesity (NWO) and general obesity prevalence among women of different ages residing in urban areas, (b) evaluate subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) in women with NWO, (c) establish SFT cutoff points for distinguishing NWO, and (d) explore eating habits linked to NWO. This cross-sectional study with 184 women aged 18-65 with NWO, normal weight without obesity (NWNO), overweight and general obesity included evaluation of body composition, SFT assessment using 2.5 MHz A-mode ultrasound (ISAK protocol, 7 sites) and lifestyle inquiries. The curvilinear relationship between body fat and BMI rendered BMI an unreliable indicator of adiposity in women with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2). Almost 30% of women with a high body fat percentage (BFP ≥ 30%) were misclassified when BMI was used to measure adiposity. The overall obesity prevalence defined by BFP was almost four times higher than that defined by BMI (56.0 vs. 18.0%, p = 1 × 10-4). Women with NWO, overweight and general obesity shared a similar SFT profile and eating habits, setting them apart from those with NWNO. The mean SFT was the most reliable NWO predictor, with a threshold set at 12 mm equal to the 66th percentile. Mean SFT accurately classified 85% of women with NWO. While age did not significantly affect subcutaneous fat accumulation, total fat levels increased with age (R2 = 0.07 and R2 = 0.19, padj = 0.1 and padj = 9 × 10-4). Higher NWO prevalence in middle-aged women was linked to age-related increase in fat mass and decrease in fat-free mass. Engaging in regular physical activity and reducing snack consumption effectively countered age-related changes in body composition (padj < 0.05). Women under 45 years who consumed sweet bakery items, fast food, and snacks more frequently showed higher BFP and NWO status (padj < 0.05). Prevention strategies should focus on monitoring body composition and promoting healthy behaviors, particularly among young women transitioning into adulthood and women over 45 years.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Capsaicinoids and Related Metabolic Substances of Dried Chili Pepper Fruit

Reducing fertilizer pollution is an important direction for modern ecological agriculture. Commonly, excessive nitrogen is applied to pepper. Capsaicin is one of the most important economic qualities of spicy peppers, but the effect of nitrogen on capsaicin is still inconsistent. This study aims to elucidate the impact of nitrogen fertilizer on capsaicin accumulation and to provide guidance on fertilizer application on highly spicy chili peppers. The experiment was conducted with five nitrogen fertilizer concentrations: N1 (urea 750 kg ha−1), N2 (urea 562.5 kg ha−1), N3 (urea 375 kg ha−1), N4 (urea 187.5 kg ha−1), and N0 (no nitrogen fertilizer). Nitrogen treatment was applied to two varieties with different spiciness levels from the seedling stage. The fruits in different layers of pepper plants were sampled on the 20th, 35th, and 50th day after anthesis, and the fruits’ size, content of capsaicin, capsaicin precursors, capsaicin competitors, as well as capsaicin-related enzyme activities and gene expression level were analyzed. The results indicate that, when applying N2 and N3, both chili pepper varieties exhibited higher fruit length, diameter, weight, and yield values. There were increased contents of total phenol, flavonoids, and tannins in both fruit varieties with N2 application. Moreover, the placenta weights of the bottom, middle, and top layers of the fruits on the 35th day were improved by 40.14%, 26.80%, and 55.91% for ‘Honglong 23’ and 55.10%, 37.04%, and 75.56% for ‘Hongxi’ compared with N0. At the same time, under N2 treatment, the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activity of capsaicin synthase significantly increased. In contrast, the capsaicin-degrading enzyme activities of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) decreased notably. The expression levels of capsaicin-synthetic genes such as phenylalanine cleavage enzyme gene (PAL), acyltransferase gene (AT3), 4-Coumaroyl coenzyme A ligase gene (4CL), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase gene (C4H), caffeoyl coenzyme A-3-oxo-methyltransferase gene (COMT), paminotransferase gene (PAMT), and hydroxycinnamyltransferase gene (HCT) were up-regulated in N2 fruits, which led to a significant increase in capsaicin content compared with the other four nitrogen amounts. A further reduction in nitrogen application to N3 and N4 resulted in a decrease in the precursor substance’s total phenol content and PAL activity and an increase in the competitive substance’s flavonoid, lignin, POD, and PPO enzyme activities. At the same time, the expression levels of capsaicinoid synthetic genes were downregulated in the N3 and N4 treatments, leading to a low content of total capsaicinoids. The capsaicinoid content showed a trend of 35th day &gt; 50th day &gt; 20th day for both varieties. Additionally, the contents of total capsaicinoids, total phenols, flavonoids, and lignins, as well as PAL enzyme activity, and the expression levels of PAL, AT3, 4CL, C4H, COMT, PAMT, and HCT exhibited characteristics of bottom layers &gt; middle layers &gt; top layers. The activities of POD and PPO gradually increased from the bottom to the top layers. The N2 (562.5 kg ha−1) treatment resulted in increases in placenta mass, maximum capsaicinoid precursor substance of total phenol content, and synthase enzyme activity, as well as decreases in capsaicinoid competing substances and degradative enzyme activity, so there were more substances available for capsaicin synthesis. Combined with the higher fruit weight and capsaicinoid content in the N2 treatment, N2 was considered a suitable nitrogen fertilizer dosage for highly spicy chili pepper cultivation.

Effect of a new resistance training method on the metaboreflex in cardiac rehabilitation patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Patients with cardiac disease exhibit exaggerated sympathoexcitation, pressor, and ventilatory responses to muscle metaboreflex activation (MMA). However, the effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and especially resistance training (RT) modalities on MMA are not well known. This study investigated how CR impacts MMA in such patients, specifically examining the effects of two different resistance training (RT) protocols following 12weeks of CR. In addition to endurance exercises, 32 patients were randomized into either a 3/7 RT modality (comprising 5 sets of 3-7 repetitions) or a control (CTRL) modality (involving 3 sets of 9 repetitions), with distinct inter-set rest intervals (15s for 3/7 and 60s for CTRL). MMA, gauged by blood pressure (BP) and ventilatory (Ve) responses during a handgrip exercise at 40% effort and subsequent post-exercise circulatory occlusion, demonstrated CR's significant impact. Systolic BP, initially at + 28 ± 23% pre-CR, improved to + 11 ± 15% post-CR (P = .011 time effect; P = .131 group effect). Diastolic BP showed a similar trend, from + 27 ± 23% to + 13 ± 15% (P = .099 time effect; P = .087 group effect). Ve, initially at + 60 ± 39%, reduced to + 14 ± 19% post-CR (P < .001 time effect; P = .142 group effect). Critical parameters-maximal oxygen consumption, lean mass, hand grip, and quadriceps strength-exhibited parallel increases in both 3/7 and CTRL groups (P < .05 time effect; P > .3 group effect). Ultimately, CR demonstrated comparable improvements in MMA across both RT modalities, indicating its positive influence on cardiovascular responses and physical performance in individuals with cardiac conditions.

Violation of the equivalence principle induced by oscillating rest mass and transition frequency, and its detection in atom interferometers

We present a theoretical investigation of the expected experimental signals produced by freely falling atoms with time oscillating mass and transition frequency. These oscillations could be produced in a variety of models, in particular, models of scalar dark matter nonuniversally coupled to the standard matter such as axionlike particles and dilatons. Performing complete and rigorous calculations, we show that, on one hand, two different atomic species would accelerate at a different rate, and, on the other hand, they would produce a nonzero differential phase shift in atom interferometers (AI). The former would produce observable signals in equivalence principle tests like the recent MICROSCOPE mission, and we provide a corresponding sensitivity estimate, showing that MICROSCOPE can reach beyond the best existing searches in the axionlike particle case. We also compare the expected sensitivity of two future AI experiments, namely the AION-10 gradiometer and an isotope differential AI considered for MAGIS-100, that we will refer to as SPID. We show that the SPID setup would be more sensitive to these dark matter fields compared to the gradiometer one, assuming equivalent experimental parameters. Published by the American Physical Society 2024